East Lancs bingo caller fights off two attackers in the street

A BINGO caller was violently attacked by two young men as she made her way home from work.

Janet Croft, 59, was crossing Holland Street, just minutes away from her home, when she was approached from behind.

She she felt a blow to the right side of her face and a man then came from the left side and tried to grab her handbag but Mrs Croft would not let go of it.

The mum-of-three said: “He hit me on the side of my face and knocked my glasses off. The other lad knocked me in the ribs but I don’t think it was intentional — I think he was just trying to make off with my handbag.”

Mrs Croft managed to flee to her home, but the men, described as slim white youths between ages 16 and 21, loitered on the street, watching her house.

“I was lucky to be so close to home and could run right in. I don’t know if they chased me, but when I looked out of the window they were still there. It was all such a shock and I couldn’t sleep — I was just pacing, trying to make sense of what happened. I was annoyed with myself and thinking I should have been more alert or got a taxi home.”

Mrs Croft has been a bingo caller at Molly Rigby’s Club in Mill Street for 10 years and says she has always felt safe walking home after her shifts.

“I only live a few minutes away and it’s on a main road. My husband always says to get a taxi home but I don’t. You just never think this will happen.”

Detectives are appealing for information about the attack on August 6.

Detective Constable Harvinder Uppal said: “I am keen to speak with anyone who can provide us with information about these men. We have examined CCTV in the area and are following other avenues.

“The lady has been left shaken and distressed.”

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Both attackers are described as slim white youths, 16 to 21 years old. One wore dark jogging bottoms and a grey hoody, the second wore dark jogging bottoms and a dark hoody.”

Anybody with information can contact police on 01282 472518, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Any idea of WHERE the attack actually took place?Chuck Norris' Roundhouse

Any idea of WHERE the attack actually took place?

Score: 10

lcjfm03 says...4:34pm Wed 13 Aug 14

Another wonderful piece from the rag, where did this take place?

Another wonderful piece from the rag, where did this take place?lcjfm03

Another wonderful piece from the rag, where did this take place?

Score: 16

gazzandste says...4:54pm Wed 13 Aug 14

Molly Rigbys is in Padiham.

Molly Rigbys is in Padiham.gazzandste

Molly Rigbys is in Padiham.

Score: 8

noddy57 says...6:43pm Wed 13 Aug 14

Zero sympathy for anyone who does not lock their vehicle when they have valuables in them especially when filling up.

Zero sympathy for anyone who does not lock their vehicle when they have valuables in them especially when filling up.noddy57

Zero sympathy for anyone who does not lock their vehicle when they have valuables in them especially when filling up.

Score: -14

Mister Red says...9:20pm Wed 13 Aug 14

The attack happened on Holland Street .It says at the start of the article.It is in Padiham.The article could have added that. Disgusting attack on the woman,wherever it happened.They need locking up and leaving there.

The attack happened on Holland Street .It says at the start of the article.It is in Padiham.The article could have added that.
Disgusting attack on the woman,wherever it happened.They need locking up and leaving there.Mister Red

The attack happened on Holland Street .It says at the start of the article.It is in Padiham.The article could have added that. Disgusting attack on the woman,wherever it happened.They need locking up and leaving there.

Score: 9

BuckoTheMoose says...7:12am Thu 14 Aug 14

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Bring back the right to armed self defence. All this lady and the Burnley barman robbed at knifepoint could do was wait for the police to come and clean up the mess.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Bring back the right to armed self defence.
All this lady and the Burnley barman robbed at knifepoint could do was wait for the police to come and clean up the mess.BuckoTheMoose

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Bring back the right to armed self defence. All this lady and the Burnley barman robbed at knifepoint could do was wait for the police to come and clean up the mess.

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